In the beginning.

To accurately re-create a history is difficult at best. The true history of something like a cemetery, particularly one that began in a remote portion of pioneer Florida often becomes an unfortunate victim to our inability to listen to stories and remembrances passed down through the generations. Indian Hill Cemetery is a prime example. The notes here are largely anecdotal and where they can be, they are credited to those who listened, cared, and recorded their thoughts and impressions.

The story goes that a family was traveling through the area and their child became ill, died and was buried in the vicinity of what is now the established cemetery, when they stopped at a local family’s home. However, the story cannot be documented and the oldest marked grave that can be identified is that of James Cousar who died on April 20, 1860. In any event, Sumter County records indicate that it became a legally established cemetery on September 11, 1891, when the original land was deeded to the Indian Hill Church by James and Julia Knight. This was a portion of an original homestead established by Tomas Knight on May 6, 1876.

The information above is derived from a narrative prepared by Simmons Wade, long term pastor at the Indian Hill Baptist Church. It is attributed to earlier conversations and discussions with several people. Among those specifically named are Mrs. J.C. Knight, Mr. Alpha McClamma, and Mr. Lawson McClamma.

The current cemetery property encompasses two separate portions. The area described above is aptly known as the old section and has very little space left for burials. The newer section was deeded to the Cemetery Association by Andrew and Francis Knight in November, 1975, and has been established in a much more efficient grid to eventually accommodate many more graves and will serve the community for many more years to come.